The Pop Corporation

Those who were lucky enough to hear the music made by Bill Fay, were changed forever. Sadly for Bill, he never quite got his flowers and now, as we’re faced with his passing, we’re once again wishing more and more people knew how wonderful he was.

A statement from his label, says: “Bill was a gentle man and a gentleman, wise beyond our times. He was a private person with the biggest of hearts, who wrote immensely moving, meaningful songs that will continue to find people for years to come.”

He was 81.

Initially, Fay was signed to Decca where he recorded the incredible, dense, withering ‘Screams In The Ear’, with heavy piano and jazz inflected rhythm section. If someone like Dylan or Donovan recorded it, it would have been hailed a masterpiece. Of course, it IS a masterpiece, but sadly, something of a hidden one.

His ‘Time of the Last Persecution’ regrettably saw poor sales, but over the years, it attained an almost religious favour, as those who unearthed it shouted about it to anyone who’d listen.

Fay would say: “I didn’t leave the music business—the music business left me. ”

Jim O’Rourke and Jeff Tweedy would become notable champions of Fay, which would result in reappraisals of his work and new music.

He would land a slot on Later With Jools Holland and more songwriters would start talking about Fay’s influence on them. However, Fay – who had been focusing on a normal life and work, including being a fruit picker, would stay in London and didn’t tour.

“I’m thankful that side of my life has continued for all my—finding songs in the corner of the room.”